User-upgradeable load control network

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a configurable system may be capable of verification and include a modular control unit configured to control power. The modular control unit may include a first contact element configured to receive the power, a backplate, and at least one device control assembly. Other embodiments may include a system configured for dynamically assignable pairings. Further embodiments may include a backplate configured to control power to at least one load device, the backplate including one or more power control elements. Additional embodiments may include a system including a receptacle. The system with the receptacle may include a modular control unit, a backplate, a contact element, and at least one device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to the backplate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/915,817, filed on Jun. 29, 2020 andentitled USER-UPGRADEABLE LOAD CONTROL NETWORK, which claims the benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/114,047, filed on Aug. 27, 2018and entitled OCCUPANCY SENSING APPARATUS NETWORK, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Pat. No. 10,078,786 entitled OCCUPANCY SENSING APPARATUSNETWORK and issued on Sep. 18, 1018; U.S. Pat. No. 10,153,113 entitledSYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OCCUPANCY PREDICTION and issued on Dec. 11,2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/253,819, filed on Aug. 31,2016 and entitled OCCUPANCY-BASED COMMUNICATION NETWORK; InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2016/049797, filed on Aug. 31, 2016 and entitledSYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LIVING SPACE FEATURES; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/756,510, entitled SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LIVING SPACEFEATURES and claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2016/049797; U.S. Pat. No. 10,069,235 entitledMODULAR DEVICE CONTROL UNIT and issued Sep. 4, 2018; and U.S. Pat. No.10,063,002, entitled CONFIGURABLE DEVICE CONTROL NETWORK and issued onAug. 28, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/212,388, filedAug. 31, 2015 and entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTS.

International Application No. PCT/US2016/049797 claims the benefit ofand is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,078,786, 10,153,113,10,069,235, 10,063,002, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/253,819, andU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/212,388. U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,078,786,10,153,113, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/253,819 claim thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,069,235, 10,063,002.U.S. Pat. No. 10,069,235 also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120of U.S. Pat. No. 10,063,002. U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,078,786, 10,153,113,10,069,235, 10,063,002, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/253,819also claim the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/212,388.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,078,786, 10,153,113, 10,069,235, 10,063,002, U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 16/915,817, 15/253,819, and 16/114,047,International Application No. PCT/US2016/049797, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/212,388 are all incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/195,831 entitled MODULAR DEVICE BACKBONEFOR A NETWORK OF USER-SWAPPABLE PRODUCTS and filed on Mar. 9, 2021,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/915,048 entitled MODULAR DEVICE BACKBONE FOR ANETWORK OF USER-SWAPPABLE PRODUCTS and filed on Jun. 29, 2020, whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/119,953 filed Aug. 31, 2018 entitled MODULAR DEVICE BACKBONE FORA NETWORK OF USER-SWAPPABLE PRODUCTS, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/552,601filed Aug. 31, 2017, entitled MODULAR DEVICE BACKBONE FOR A NETWORK OFUSER-SWAPPABLE PRODUCTS.

U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/119,953, 16/915,048, and17/195,831, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/552,601 are allincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to device controllers and, moreparticularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling the automationof building functions.

BACKGROUND

The modification of an existing electrical wiring system in a commercialor residential building is often difficult and/or costly. An electricalwiring system in a commercial or residential building typically includesa multitude of electrical circuits in which electrical wires are routedbetween a mains power source and electrical junction boxes placed atfixed locations throughout the building. Based on known or anticipatedneeds, certain electrical junction boxes are wired to have direct accessto electrical power (e.g., an electrical outlet), while other electricaljunction boxes are wired such that access to electrical power iscontrolled by electrical switches (e.g., a light or a switchedelectrical outlet). The electrical wiring is typically installed duringa construction phase of the building, secured to support structuresaccording to electrical and building codes, and covered during afinishing phase. In this regard, a modification of the existing wiringsystem in response to changing needs is generally limited to minoralterations of electrical connections within accessible electricaljunction boxes or the installation of new electrical wiring, which oftenrequires remodeling and/or refinishing.

Further, the replacement, repair, or alteration of the functionality ofexisting electrical wiring devices such as electrical outlets orswitches connected to a mains power source is often performed by ajourneyman due to safety concerns and/or uncertainty regarding properwiring configurations. It would therefore be advantageous to provide asafe, time effective way for consumers to replace and/or upgradeelectrical outlets or switches connected to a mains power source.

Traditional stand-alone electrical switches and outlets are reliant onexisting wiring for determining which lighting elements may becontrolled by a given switch. Further, stand-alone electrical switcheswith occupancy detection are limited to actuating electrical loads usingthe existing wiring. It would therefore be advantageous to providesystems and methods for integrated multi-room home control.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a configurable system may be capable of verificationand include a modular control unit configured to control power. Themodular control unit may include a first contact element configured toreceive the power, a backplate, and at least one device controlassembly.

Other embodiments may include a system configured for dynamicallyassignable pairings.

Further embodiments may include a backplate configured to control powerto at least one load device, the backplate including one or more powercontrol elements.

Additional embodiments may include a system including a receptacle. Thesystem with the receptacle may include a modular control unit, abackplate, a contact element, at least one device control assemblyconfigured to be removably coupled to the backplate, and the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is an outlet configured to accept apronged connector.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description, serve to explain the principlesof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a modular control unit configured tomount within an electrical junction box, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of two backplates 130 mounted to a 2-gangelectrical junction box 102, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure. For example, two backplates 130 mounted inthe 2-pang electrical junction box 102 may accept two device controlassemblies 110 and a 2-opening faceplate 104.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device control assembly, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3E is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly to mount thebackplate contacts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3F is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly illustratinga locking lever, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3G is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a device control assembly coupled to abackplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configurable network of modular controlunit for actuating one or more load devices, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a configurable network, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a configurable network in a household, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a table summarizing the pairings between device controlassemblies, electrically-connected luminaires, network-connectedluminaires, and sensors in a configurable network, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a table summarizing physical pairings and addressablepairings between device control assemblies and electrically-connectedluminaires in a configurable network, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8D is a table summarizing the state diagram ofelectrically-connected luminaires in a configurable network, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed,which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1A through 8D, a configurable network ofdevice controllers is described, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure are directed to the formation of a network of devicecontrollers. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure aredirected to pairing device controllers with one or more loads in which adevice controller regulates one or more paired loads. Additionalembodiments are directed to device controllers in a configurable networkconfigured to regulate any load connected to any other devicecontrollers on the configurable network. Further embodiments aredirected to a network of backplates electrically connected to mainspower to facilitate a network of modular device controllers.

It is recognized herein that an electrical wiring system of a buildingtypically includes multiple electrical circuits to route electricalpower from a power source (e.g., mains power) to multiple electricaljunction boxes located throughout the building. Typically, power cablescontaining electrical wires are routed from a power distribution panelsuch as, but not limited to, an electrical fuse box, to the multipleelectrical junction boxes. The electrical junction boxes may furtherfacilitate electrical connections between the power distribution paneland one or more electrical devices or device controllers by providing anenclosure in which the electrical devices may be connected to, orotherwise terminate, the electrical wires provided by the power cable.An electrical junction box may additionally provide structural supportfor mounting an electrical device.

The topology of the configuration of wires between junction boxes aswell as the number of wires routed between junction boxes may varydepending on the anticipated function of electrical devices to beinstalled within the junction boxes. Further, power cables associatedwith an electrical wiring system are typically routed between joistsassociated with walls and ceilings of the building and are typicallysecured according to building and electrical codes. Accordingly,modifications of the configuration and number of wires betweenelectrical boxes may be difficult and/or undesirable.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a configurablenetwork of device controllers connected to the electrical wiring systemand further in data communication to provide control over the regulationof electrical loads. In this regard, data communication between devicecontrollers supplements and/or expands the capabilities of wiredelectrical connections associated with the electrical wiring system toprovide fully customizable control over load regulation. Further,embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to incorporatingadditional devices (e.g., sensors, luminaires, electrical appliances, orthe like) to the configurable network of device controllers. Additionalembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to modular devicecontrollers with interchangeable functional units for flexiblemodification of the configurable network of device controllers.

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a modular control unit 100 configured tomount within an electrical junction box 102, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, themodular control unit 100 includes a backplate 130 configured to mountwithin an electrical junction box 102 and provide an electricalconnection to an electrical wiring system. In some embodiments, amodular control unit 100 includes a device control assembly 110 tocontrol one or more load devices and is configured to removably couplewith the backplate 130. Further, the modular control unit 100 mayinclude a faceplate 104 configured to cover the electrical junction box102. In this regard, a backplate 130 may provide a standardized mountingassembly for device control assemblies 110. Further, device assemblies110 may be removably and/or interchangeably connected to the electricalwiring system through the backplate 130.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, a load device may includeany device directly or indirectly attached to the electrical wiringsystem. For example, a load device may include a wired load such as, butnot limited to, a luminaire or a fan. As an additional example, a loaddevice may include an electrical outlet into which loads may beremovably connected.

In AC outlets, it is sometimes desirable to have recessed receptacles(not shown) to allow for furniture to be placed flush against the wall.

In some embodiments, a receptacle (e.g., outlet) is constructed(configured) so that it can plug into a backplate 130. For example, thelocation of the receptacle (e.g., user accessible plugs) may be locatedin a location that is the same location as that of a user interface 112to the backplate 130. For example, as shown in various figures, such alocation of a user interface 112 may be configured to be “flush” ornearly flush with a wall. In this way, the receptacle (e.g., outlet)depth can take advantage of the depth of the backplate 130 recess.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes electricalcircuitry and/or mechanical components to actuate, regulate, orotherwise control one or more load devices connected to the electricalwiring system. For example, a device control assembly 110 may include,but is not limited to, one or more power control elements configured tocontrol the power (e.g., one or more input devices, one or more buttons,mechanical switches, one or more electrical relays, one or more MOSFETs(metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) or one or moreTRIACs (triode for alternating current)). It should be noted that aTRIAC is a “switch”. In this regard, a device control assembly 110 mayinclude, but is not limited to, a toggle switch, a dimmer switch, analternating current (AC) electrical outlet, a direct current (DC)electrical outlet (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) outlet), or amulti-function keypad. Additionally, a device controller assembly 110may include, but is not limited to, one or more display devices, one ormore speakers, one or more microphones, or one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 is configured to electricallyconnect to an electrical wiring system through the electrical junctionbox 102. For example, the backplate 130 may connect to a powerdistribution panel through an electrical wiring system terminated at theelectrical junction box 102. Additionally, the backplate 130 may beconfigured to terminate a power cable with any number of conductors suchas, but not limited to, a two-conductor power cable, a three-conductorpower cable, or a four-conductor power cable. It is noted herein thatthe backplate 130 may be compatible with any electrical wiring system inany configuration. For example, the backplate 130 may, but is notlimited to, be configured to accept a wire connected to a ground source(e.g., a “ground” wire), a wire connected to a power source (e.g., a“hot” wire), a wire connected to a neutral bar (e.g., a “neutral” wire),or one or more additional wires (e.g., one or more “traveler” wires).Further, the backplate 130 may be configured to accept any gauge ofwire. In some embodiments, the backplate 130 accepts 14-gauge wire(e.g., from a 14/2 power cable or a 14/3 power cable). In someembodiments, the backplate 130 accepts 12-gauge wire (e.g., from a 12/2power cable or a 12/3 power cable). It is recognized herein thatelectrical systems may include any number of switches or connectionsbetween components. As such, the description of electrical wiringsystems above is presented solely for illustrative purposes and shouldnot be interpreted as limiting.

A backplate 130 may be electrically connected to an electrical wiringsystem through the electrical junction box 102. In some embodiments, abackplate 130 is configured to connect to an electrical wiring systemthrough twist-on wire connectors. For example, a backplate 130 mayinclude one or more wires suitable for connecting to a power cablethrough twist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, the backplate 130is configured to connect to an electrical wiring system through push-inwire connectors. For example, a backplate 130 may include one or morepush-in connectors to connect to conductors in a power cable such as,but not limited to, a “hot” wire, a “neutral” wire, a “ground” wire, ora “traveler” wire.

In some embodiments, a backplate 130 is configured to interchangeablycouple to device control assemblies 110 without modification of theconnection between the backplate 130 and the electrical wiring network.For example, a device control assembly 110 configured to operate as atoggle switch may be removed and replaced with a device control assemblyconfigured to operate as a dimmer switch without modification to thebackplate 130 or the associated electrical connections to the electricalwiring network. In this regard, the modular control unit 100 provides asemi-permanent element (e.g., a backplate 130 attached to an electricaljunction box 102 via one or more screws) connected to the electricalwiring system and interchangeable functional units (e.g., a devicecontrol assembly 110).

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 may be inserted intoor removed from a backplate 130 while a backplate 130 is connected tolive power from the electrical wiring assembly. For example, anelectrical connection established between a backplate 130 and a devicecontrol assembly 110 may be configured to establish a ground connectionprior to establishing a “hot” wire connection.

A backplate 130 may be configured to occupy one or more device positionswithin an electrical junction box 102. In some embodiments, a backplate130 is configured to occupy one position within an electrical junctionbox 102. In this manner, a single backplate 130 may be mounted to a1-gang electrical junction box 102, two backplates 130 may be mounted toa 2-gang electrical junction box 102, or the like. FIG. 1B is anexploded view of two backplates 130 mounted to an electrical junctionbox 102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. For example, two backplates 130 mounted in a 2-gangelectrical junction box 102 may accept two device control assemblies 110and a 2-opening faceplate 104. Further, a backplate 130 may be mountedto an electrical junction box 102 alongside one or more additionaldevices. For example, a backplate 130 and a typical light switch may bemounted within 2-gang electrical junction box 102. In some embodiments,a backplate 130 is configured to occupy two or more positions within anelectrical junction box 102. For example, a single backplate 130 may beconfigured to accept two or more device control assemblies 110 such thateach device control assembly 110 effectively occupies a single positionwithin the electrical junction box 102. As an additional example, abackplate 130 occupying two or more positions within an electricaljunction box 102 may accept one or more device control assemblies 110 ofany size. In this regard, a single device control assembly 110 mayeffectively occupy any portion of an electrical junction box 102.

In some embodiments, the modular control unit 100 includes a faceplate104 to cover a portion of the electrical junction box 102 not covered bythe backplate 130 or the device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, the faceplate 104 includes one or more openings 106 toprovide access to one or more elements of the device control assembly102. For example, the faceplate 104 may include, but is not limited to,one or more openings 106 to provide access to one or more displays, oneor more speakers, one or more microphones, one or more antennas, or oneor more sensors associated with a device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, the faceplate 104 provides access to one or more elementsof the device control assembly 110 while covering exposed areas of theelectrical junction box 102. For example, a device control assembly 110and/or a backplate 130 attached to an electrical junction box 102 mayleave one or more areas of the electrical junction box 102 exposed. Inthis regard, a faceplate 104 may cover the one or more exposed areas ofthe electrical junction box 102.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device control assembly 110, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes a userinterface 112 to accept one or more input signals. For example, the userinterface 112 may include, but is not limited to, a touch-sensitivedisplay. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes asensor panel 114 for housing one or more sensors. For example, thesensor panel 114 may, but is not limited to, house a microphone, aspeaker, and/or an occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the userinterface 112 and/or the sensor panel 114 are exposed (e.g., to a user)through the one or more openings 106 of the faceplate 104.

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes a casing116 to enclose one or more electronic and/or mechanical components(e.g., components associated with the user display 112, componentsassociated with load regulation, one or more sensors within the sensorpanel 114, or the like). In some embodiments, the casing 116 provides asealed enclosure. Further, access to contents within the casing 116 maybe provided via one or more removable panels (not shown).

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes one ormore contact pads 118 to provide an electrical connection from thebackplate 130 to the electronic components within the casing 116. Inthis regard, the device control assembly 110 may be connected to theelectrical wiring system through the backplate 130. The contact pads 118may be formed from any material known in the art suitable for providingan electrical connection between the device control assembly 110 and thebackplate 130 such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments,the device control assembly 110 includes one or more locking features120 for securing the device control assembly 110 to the backplate 130when an electrical connection between the device control assembly 110and the backplate 130 is established.

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3G, in some embodiments, a backplate 130is configured to interchangeably receive device control assemblies 110.In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes a casing 132 forming apartially enclosed opening 142 to receive a device control assembly 110.In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes a mounting plate 134.The mounting plate 134 may include one or more mounting holes 136configured to align with corresponding mounting holes on an electricaljunction box 102 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Further, a backplate 130 may bemounted to an electrical junction box 102 by one or more screws via theone or more mounting holes 136. In this regard, the backplate 130 may besemi-permanently mounted to an electrical junction box 102.

The mounting plate 134 may be secured to the casing 132 by any mechanismknown in the art. For example, the mounting plate 134 may be secured tothe casing 132 through one or more screws 138. As another example, themounting plate 134 may be secured to the casing 132 using one or morecatches. In this regard, a mounting plate 134 may “snap” onto the casing132. As a further example, a backplate 130 may include a combinedmounting plate 134 and casing 132 such that the mounting plate 134 andcasing 132 are formed from a continuous piece of the same material.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes one or more backplatecontacts 140 to provide one or more electrical connections between anelectrical wiring assembly (e.g., one or more power cables) and the oneor more contact pads 118 of an inserted device control assembly 110. Insome embodiments, the one or more backplate contacts 140 are shielded(e.g., from a user) when no device control assembly 110 is present. Inthis regard, access to the backplate contacts 140 and, consequently,access to the electrical wiring system, is provided solely uponinsertion of a device control assembly 110. FIGS. 3A and 3B areisometric and cross-sectional views of a backplate 130 with backplatecontacts 140 shielded by an air gap actuator 144, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein thatthe views presented in FIGS. 3A and 3B may illustrate a backplate 130without an inserted device control assembly 110. FIGS. 3C and 3D areisometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a backplate 130with backplate contacts 140 available to an inserted device controlassembly 110 (not shown for clarity). In this regard, the viewspresented in FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate the coupling of the backplate130 to an inserted device control assembly (not shown). In this regard,the backplate contacts 140 illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D are notexposed (e.g., to a user). FIG. 3E is an isometric view of a backplateboard assembly 146 to mount the backplate contacts 140. FIG. 3F is anisometric view of a backplate board assembly 146 illustrating a lockinglever 152, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator 144 provides access tobackplate contacts 140 while engaged in an open position (see FIGS. 3Cand 3D) and is further configured to prohibit access to backplatecontacts 140 while engaged in a closed position (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).The air gap actuator 144 may translate between a closed position and anopen position to regulate access to the backplate contacts 140.

In some embodiments, a position of the air gap actuator is maintainedthrough friction associated with one or more adjacent elements (e.g.,the casing 132). In some embodiments, the air gap actuator 144 is heldin tension (e.g., by a spring) to force the air gap actuator 144 toremain in the closed position unless a counter-force is applied. In thisregard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator 144from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, theposition of the air gap actuator 144 is governed by a bi-stable system(not shown). For example, the air gap actuator 144 may be connected to aspring and one or more ratchets such that the air gap actuator 144 maybe locked in either the open or a closed position. In this regard, anair gap actuator 144 in a closed position and held in tension by aspring may be transitioned to an open position by depressing the air gapactuator 144 past a center-point of a ratchet such that the ratchetlocks the air gap actuator 144 in the open position. Similarly, the airgap actuator 144 locked in the open position may be transitioned to andlocked in the closed position by depressing the air gap actuator 144past a center-point of a ratchet.

The air gap actuator 144 may be formed from any material known in theart suitable for insulating electrical contacts. For example, the airgap actuator 144 may, but is not limited to, include acrylic, acetal,A.B.S. (acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene), polystyrene, nylon,P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, polyurethane, PVC,or PTFE (poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene).

In some embodiments, a backplate contact 140 is formed from a conductingmaterial such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments, abackplate contact 140 maintains electrical contact with a contact pad118 of a device control assembly 110 through pressure. In someembodiments, a backplate contact 140 is mounted to the backplate boardassembly 146 in a cantilevered configuration. For example, acantilevered portion of a backplate contact 140 may extend to a positionin the opening 142 of the casing 132 (e.g., see FIG. 3D). In thisregard, a device control assembly 110 inserted into the opening 142 ofthe casing 132 will provide pressure between the one or more contactpads 118 and the one or more backplate contacts 140 to establish and/ormaintain an electrical connection. Further, the one or more backplatecontacts 140 may be connected to the electrical wiring assembly througha circuit board 160.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes an air gap actuator lock148 configured to regulate the movement of the air gap actuator 144. Insome embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 is configured totranslate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In someembodiments, a spring 150 is connected to the backplate board assembly146 and the air gap actuator lock 148 to force the air gap actuator lock148 into a locked position unless a counter-force is applied. In thisregard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator lock148 to an unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 includes a topportion 148A configured to prevent the air gap actuator 144 fromtranslating to the open position (e.g., to expose the electricalcontacts 140) when the air gap actuator lock 148 is locked. In someembodiments, translation of the air gap actuator lock 148 to theunlocked position provides clearance for the air gap actuator 144 totranslate to the open position.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 includes a gradedportion 148B to provide contact with a device control assembly 110during coupling between the device control assembly 110 and thebackplate 130. For example, contact between the casing 116 of the devicecontrol assembly 110 and the graded portion of the air gap actuator lock148 may cause the air gap actuator lock 148 to slideably translate froma locked position to an unlocked position. The graded portion 148B ofthe air gap actuator lock 148 may have any shape suitable fortranslating the air gap actuator lock 148 to a locked position uponinsertion of a device control assembly 110 such as, but not limited to aflat graded surface (e.g., a surface at a 45 degree angle relative tothe translation direction) or a curved surface.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes a locking lever 152 tosecure a device control assembly to the backplate 130 when the air gapactuator 144 is in an open position (e.g., the backplate contacts 140are in connection with the contact pads 118 of the device controlassembly 110). For example, the locking lever 152 may couple to lockingfeatures 120 to secure an inserted device control assembly 110 to thebackplate 130. In some embodiments, the locking lever 152 is mounted toa rod 154 on the backplate board assembly 146 and held in tensionagainst the air gap actuator 144 via a torsion spring 156. Further, themotion of the locking lever 152 may be governed by the position of theair gap actuator 144. For example, the air gap actuator 144 may includea graded portion 144A to couple with a graded portion 152A of thelocking lever 152. In this regard, the locking lever 152 may rotate toprovide clearance for a device control assembly 110 (not shown) when theair gap actuator 144 is in a closed position (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3B). Similarly, the locking lever 152 may be rotated to couple withlocking features 120 of a device control assembly 110 (not shown) as theair gap actuator 144 translates to an open position (e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 3D).

In some embodiments, the casing 132 includes one or more keyed features158 to facilitate alignment of a device control assembly 110 into abackplate 130. For example, the one or more keyed features 158. The oneor more keyed features 158 may be of any type known in the art. Forexample, the one or more keyed features 158 may include, but are notlimited to, raised features, recessed features, or grooves. In someembodiments, a keyed feature 158 is a raised feature with a height equalto or greater than a height of the air gap actuator lock 148 in a lockedposition. In this regard, air gap actuator lock 148 is accessible toobjects with one or more corresponding keyed features (e.g., keyedfeatures on a device control assembly 110).

FIG. 3G is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate130, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes one or moreconnection wires 162 to provide one or more electrical connectionsbetween the one or more backplate contacts 140 and the electrical wiringsystem (e.g., one or more power cables). For example, the one or moreconnection wires 162 may connect directly to the one or more backplatecontacts 140. As another example, the one or more connection wires 162may connect to a circuit board 160. In this regard, the backplate 130may include one or more power control elements (one or more resistors,one or more capacitors, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, oneor more TRIACs, or the like) to monitor or manipulate the flow ofelectricity between an installed device control assembly 110 and theelectrical wiring system.

In some embodiments, the one or more connection wires 162 may connect toone or more conductors associated with one or more power cables viatwist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, although not shown, thebackplate 130 includes one or more push-in wire terminals to provide aconnection to the electrical wiring system. In this regard, one or moreconductors associated with one or more power cables may be inserted intothe push-in wire terminals to provide an electrical connection betweenthe backplate 130 and the electrical wiring system.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a device control assembly 110 coupled toa backplate 130, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110securely fits within the opening 142 of the backplate 130 such that allelectrical connections (e.g., the backplate contacts 140 and the contactpads 118) are inaccessible (e.g., to a user).

It is noted herein that the above description of the modular controlunit 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not beinterpreted as limiting. For example, the modular control unit 100 mayinclude any combination of a device control assembly 110 and a faceplate104 or a backplate 130. In some embodiments, the modular control unit100 includes a device control assembly 110 and a faceplate 104. In thisregard, the device control assembly 110 is configured to connect withthe electrical wiring system without a backplate 130. In someembodiments, the modular control unit 100 includes a device controlassembly 110 and a backplate 130. In this way, the device controlassembly 110 fully covers the electrical junction box when coupled witha backplate 130. In some embodiments, the modular control unit 100includes a device control assembly 110 (i.e., device control unit)configured to directly connect to the electrical wiring system and fullycover the electrical box.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly110, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includespower circuitry 504. For example, the device control assembly mayinclude elements to control the distribution of electrical power withinthe device control assembly including, but not limited to, a voltageregulator or an AC to DC converter to convert AC electrical power fromthe electrical wiring system to DC power suitable for powering one ormore components on a circuit board 160.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes controlcircuitry 502. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110includes a mechanical input device 506. For example, a device controlassembly 110 may include, but is not limited a toggle switch, a button,or a dome switch. In some embodiments, the mechanical input deviceprovides tactile feedback when actuated. In some embodiments, mechanicalinput device 506 provides audible and/or tactile (haptic) feedback whenactuated. In this regard, actuation of the mechanical input device 506is broadcast (e.g., to a user). In some embodiments, the mechanicalinput device 506 is coupled to input device circuitry 508 to provide aninput signal associated with actuation of the mechanical input device506.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes atouch-sensitive input device 510 coupled with touch-sensing circuitry512. The touch-sensitive input device 510 provides a means for userinput in which a user may contact (e.g., with a finger) a portion of thetouch-sensitive input device 510 to generate an input signal. Thetouch-sensitive input device 510 may include any touch-sensitive inputdevice 510 known in the art including, but not limited to,capacitive-type or resistive-type devices. Further, the input signal mayprovide information to the control circuitry 502 such as, but notlimited to, a number of contact points on the touch-sensitive device 510(e.g., a number of fingers in contact), a location of one or morecontact points on the touch-sensitive input device 510, or a pressure ofone or more contact points.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes at least oneof a microphone 514 or a speaker 516 coupled with an audio codec 518. Inthis regard, the device control assembly 110 may accept and/or emitaudio signals.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes a displaydevice 522 coupled to display circuitry 520 for driving the displaydevice 522. The display device 522 may be any type of display deviceknown in the art suitable for displaying visual information including,but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a LED display, anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a thin-film transistor (TFT) display, or an electronic ink(E-ink) display. In some embodiments, the display device 522 uses adeadfronting technique to display visual information. For example,images printed with an opaque medium positioned adjacent to asemi-transparent medium may only appear visible when illuminated with abacklight (e.g., a LED backlight). In some embodiments, the displaydevice 522 and the touch-sensitive input device 510 are integrated intoa single unit (e.g., a user interface 112).

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes loadcontrol hardware 526 coupled to load-control circuitry 524. In someembodiments, the load control hardware 526 actuates, regulates, orotherwise controls a connected load. As described above, a devicecontrol assembly 110 (e.g., as part of a modular control unit 100)connected to a power distribution panel in an electrical wiring systemmay control the electrical power to load device connected to theelectrical wiring system. Accordingly, the load control hardware mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more mechanical relays, one ormore electrical relays, one or more diodes, one or more TRIACs, one ormore MOSFETs, one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, or one ormore integrated circuits.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, in this regard, a devicecontrol assembly 110 provides a physical function. Further, the physicalfunction of a device control assembly (e.g., regulating a current and/ora voltage to a load device) is performed by electrical and/or mechanicalelements (e.g., switches, relays, or the like) within the casing 116 ofthe device control assembly 110. In some embodiments, a device controlassembly 110 provides a physical function upon actuation of a user inputdevice (e.g., a mechanical input device 506 or a touch-sensitive inputdevice 510). For example, a device control assembly 110 may operate as adimmer switch to regulate electrical power to one or more connectedluminaires by swiping a finger along a linear path on a touch-sensitiveinput device 510. In this regard, an input signal generated by thetouch-sensing circuitry 512 including a location of a finger contact maydetermine the relative brightness of the connected luminaires. Further,an input signal generated by the touch-sensing circuitry 512 including alocation of a finger contact may determine the color output of amulti-color luminaire.

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes one ormore sensors (e.g., sensor hardware 530) coupled to sensor circuitry528. For example, a device control assembly 110 may include, but is notlimited to, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, an active infraredsensor, or a thermopile sensor. In this regard, the sensor circuitry 528may generate one or more sensor input signals associated with anenvironment proximate to the device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more occupancy sensors)determine occupancy of a room in which the device control assembly 110is located.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes networkhardware 534 coupled to network circuitry 532 for data communication. Insome embodiments, the network circuitry 532 is coupled to an antenna toprovide wireless data communication. In this regard, the antenna may beconfigured to operate in any frequency band known in the art. In someembodiments, the network circuitry and the antenna are configured tooperate in a Radio Frequency (RF) band. In this regard, the networkcircuitry 532 may be compatible with any wireless protocol known in theart, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE),WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or the like. It is notedherein that the antenna (e.g., a portion of the network hardware 534)may be of any type known in the art, including, but not limited to, anembedded antenna or an external antenna.

In some embodiments, the network circuitry 532 is coupled to networkhardware 534 to provide wired data communication. In some embodiments,the network circuitry 532 and network hardware 309 provide datacommunication over one or more electrical wires associated with theelectrical wiring system (e.g., one or more wires in a power cableconnected to the modular control unit 100). In this regard, the networkcircuitry 532 may be compatible with any wired protocol known in the artsuch as, but not limited to, universal powerline bus, X10, LonTalk,Homeplug AV, or Powerline AV.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 forms a configurablenetwork for data communication with one or more devices through thenetwork circuitry 532 and network hardware 534. For example, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may form a network including one or more dataconnection pathways to at least a second device control assembly 110. Asanother example, a device control assembly 110 may form a networkincluding one or more wireless devices (e.g., one or more wirelesssensors, one or more wireless luminaires, one or more wirelesselectrical sockets, or the like). As a further example, a device controlassembly 110 may form a network including one or more wired devices(e.g., one or more powerline devices). Additionally, a device controlassembly 110 may form a network with any combination of device controlassemblies 110, wireless devices, or wired devices. In this regard, adevice control assembly 110 may transmit or receive data over one ormore data pathways associated with the configurable network.

It is noted herein that the configurable network may have any topologyknown in the art including, but not limited to a mesh topology, a startopology, a ring topology, a line topology, or a bus topology. It isfurther noted herein that data pathways between device controlassemblies 110 within the configurable network may include single-hop(e.g., a direct connection) or multi-hop pathways (e.g., a connectionincluding one or more additional nodes to repeat and/or facilitate thedata connection). For example, the configurable network may have a floodmesh topology. In this regard, data sent from a first device (e.g., onenode) on the network intended for a second device (e.g., a second node)is sent to all nodes on the network. Further, any additional nodes onthe network may repeat or retransmit the data such that the data isreceived by the second device by one or more data pathways. As anotherexample, the configurable network may have a routed mesh topology inwhich routing information describing data pathways for datacommunication between nodes of the network is defined and stored (e.g.,by any of the nodes on the network or a controller).

The configurable network may include (e.g., as nodes of the network) oneor more additional connected devices in addition to device controlassemblies 110 such as, but not limited to, sensors, luminaires, orconfigurable electrical sockets. The connected devices may be connectedto the configurable network through wired pathways (e.g., via a dataconnection provided by power cables associated with the electricalwiring system) or wireless pathways (e.g., via Bluetooth, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or thelike). Further, the configurable network may include one or moreelectrical appliances connected (e.g., via wired or wireless pathways)such as, but not limited to, connected televisions, connected set-topboxes (e.g., Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or the like), connectedthermostats (e.g., Nest, Ecobee, or the like), or connected speakersaudio devices (e.g., Amazon Echo, Sonos, or the like). Additionally, theconfigurable network may include one or more mobile devices (e.g.,phones, tablets, wearable devices, or the like).

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 is directed toperform a physical function (e.g., control one or more load devicesusing load control circuitry 524 coupled to load control hardware 526)by at least one other device (e.g., a second device control assembly110) on a configurable network via data communication. Accordingly, adevice control assembly 110 may have an addressable function in whichthe device control assembly 110 directs one or more additional devicecontrol assemblies to perform their associated physical functions. Insome embodiments, the physical and addressable functions of a devicecontrol assembly 110 are independent. In this regard, a device controlassembly 110 may perform a physical function without actuation of aninput device of the device control assembly 110 (e.g., a mechanicalinput device 506 or a touch-sensitive input device 510).

Similarly, a device control assembly 110 may provide an addressablefunction by directing at least a second device control assembly 110 toperform a physical function via data communication. For the purposes ofthe present disclosure, for example, a device control assembly 110 maybe configured to direct a second device control assembly to actuate aload (e.g., toggle the state of a connected electrical device) uponactuation of an input device (e.g., a mechanical input device 506 or atouch-sensitive input device 510). In this way, actuation of a devicecontrol assembly 110 (e.g., via a mechanical input device 506 or atouch-sensitive input device 510) may cause the regulation of a loaddevice by another device control assembly 110. In this regard, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may perform an addressable function withoutperforming a physical function.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 provides multiplefunctions including one more physical functions and one or moreaddressable functions. For example, a device control assembly 110 isconfigured to provide a physical function upon actuation of a firstportion of a touch-sensitive input device 510 and is further configuredto provide an addressable function upon actuation of a second portion ofthe touch-sensitive input device 510. In this regard, a device controlassembly 110 may operate as a multi-function keypad.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, a device control assembly 110is paired with a load device if the device control assembly 110 isconfigured to control the load through a physical or an addressablefunction. It is noted herein that a device control assembly 110 may beconfigured to exclusively perform one or more addressable functions byonly pairing the device with one or more loads not regulated by aphysical function of the device control assembly 110 (e.g., not pairingthe device control assembly 110 with a load associated with a physicalfunction).

In some embodiments, pairings between device control assemblies 110 andload devices within a configurable network are dynamically assignable.In some embodiments, device pairings are defined and stored locally oneach device control assembly 110 within the network. Accordingly, adevice control assembly 110 is physically paired with a load if thedevice control assembly 110 is configured to regulate electrical powerto the load device through load control circuitry 524 and associatedhardware 526 (e.g., as a physical function). Similarly, a device controlassembly is addressably paired with a load device if the device controlassembly 110 is configured to direct one or more additional devicecontrol assemblies 110 to regulate the load device through load controlcircuitry 524 and associated load control hardware 526 of the one ormore additional device control assemblies.

In some embodiments, a pairing for a device controller 110 and a load isdetermined by the device control assembly 110 itself. In someembodiments, pairings between device control assemblies 110 and loaddevices within a configurable network are determined by a controllerassociated with the configurable network. The controller may have anytype of architecture known in the art such as, but not limited to acentralized architecture or a distributed architecture. In someembodiments, one device controller within the configurable networkoperates as the controller (e.g., to define, store, and distributedevice pairings to device control assemblies 110 on the network). Insome embodiments, a controller for assigning device control assembly 110pairings is distributed. In this regard, one or more device controlassemblies 110 operate together as the controller. In a furtherembodiment, a controller is an element on the network other than adevice control assembly such as, but not limited to, a hub, acentralized server, or a distributed server.

In some embodiments, the controller includes one or more processors.Further, the one or more processors may be configured to execute a setof program instructions maintained in a memory medium, or memory. Theone or more processors of a controller may include any processingelement known in the art. In this sense, the one or more processors mayinclude any microprocessor-type device configured to execute algorithmsand/or instructions. In some embodiments, the one or more processors mayconsist of a stand-alone device hub, a desktop computer, a mainframecomputer system, a workstation, or any other computer system (e.g.,networked device) configured to execute a program configured to operatethe configurable network, as described throughout the presentdisclosure. It is further recognized that the term “processor” may bebroadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processingelements, which execute program instructions from a non-transitorymemory medium.

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 and backplate 130are capable of a verification. For example, the modular control unit 100may include a front part and back part. The back part may be a “powerunit” and include (or be) a backplate 130. The front part may be a“control unit” and include/be a device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, the backplate 130 (back part) includes one or more powercontrol elements configured to control the power (e.g., such as an AC/DCpower supply and potentially power line communication (PLC) circuitry).Further, as described elsewhere, the one or more power control elementsmay also include (one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, one ormore transistors, one or more diodes, one or more TRIACs, or the like).It should be noted that a TRIAC is a “switch”. In some examples,contacts 140 (e.g., an “interface”) between the device control assembly110 and the power unit (i.e., backplate 130) contains (and is configuredto be used for) communication signals and power to run the modularcontrol unit 100. Such communication signals may be used to verify theauthenticity of the control unit (e.g., device control assembly 110),such that a device control assembly 110 that is not designed to workwith the power unit (e.g., backplate 130) in an installation will not bepowered. In this regard, the at least one device control assembly 110and the backplate 130 are configured to verify an authenticity of the atleast one device control assembly 110 based on the at least onecommunication. For example, in other words, the modular control unit 100is further configured to not power the at least one device controlassembly 110 when the authenticity is indicative of the at least onedevice control assembly 110 being not designed to work with thebackplate 130.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configurable network 600 of modularcontrol unit 100 for actuating one or more load devices, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is notedherein that the network 600 described herein is provided solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, device control assemblies602-608 are communicatively coupled within the network 600 via one ormore data connections 622. Further, the network 600 may include one ormore load devices 610-614. The load devices may be any type of loaddevices including, but not limited to, luminaires, fans, or electricaloutlets configured to provide power to one or more attached electricaldevices.

In some embodiments, device control assembly 606 is physically pairedwith load device 612 such that actuating device control assembly 110regulates electrical power to load device 612 via one or more wires 620.In some embodiments, device control assemblies 602 and 604 arephysically paired with load device 610. Further, device controlassemblies 602 and 604 are connected to load device 610 via wires 616and 618 in a three-way switch configuration. In this regard, wire 618may be a “traveler” wire associated with a power cord within anelectrical wiring system. In some embodiments, device control assembly608 is not physically paired with any load device. In some embodiments,load device 614 is not physically paired with any device controlassembly 602-608 on the network. Further, load device 614 is directlyconnected to the configurable network 600 (e.g., via a data pathway622). Load device 614 may be connected to the configurable network 600via a wired or wireless data pathway 622.

It is noted herein that pairings between device control assemblies602-608 and load devices 610-614 may be dynamically modified or updated.For example, device control assembly 608 may be paired with any loaddevice 610-612 on the network. As another example, device controlassembly 608 may be paired with load device 612 such that device controlassemblies 606 and 608 operate as a three-way switch to control loaddevice 612.

As another example, device control assembly 606 may be pairedexclusively with load device 614 and device control assembly 608 may bepaired with load device 612. In this regard, device control assembly 608may provide an addressable function (e.g., controlling load device 614)but not a physical function (e.g., control of load device 612) whenactuated. However, device control assembly 606 may facilitate thecontrol of load device 612 by device control assembly 608 via a datapathway 622.

As a further example, device control assembly 602 may be paired withload device 612 and not paired with load device 610. Accordingly, devicecontrol assembly 602 may control load device 612 via a data connection622 to device control assembly 304. Further, device control assemblies602 and 606 may operate as a three-way switch to control load device612.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol assemblies 602-608 and load devices 610-614 may be establishedvia the configurable network 600. Accordingly, the descriptions ofpairings above are intended solely for illustrative purposes and shouldnot be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a configurable network 700, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is notedherein that the network 700 described herein is provided solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, the network includes devicecontrol assemblies 702-710 and a connected mobile device 712 (e.g., aphone, a tablet, a wirelessly-connected computer, or the like)configured to control one or more load devices 720-740.

In some embodiments, device control assemblies 702 and 704 arephysically paired to load devices 720 and 722 and are configured tooperate as a three-way switch. In some embodiments, device controlassembly 706 is physically paired to load devices 726-730 and isconfigured to operate as a multi-function keypad to operate load devices726-728 and load device 730 independently. In some embodiments, devicecontrol assemblies 708 and 710 are physically paired to load devices732-736 and are configured to operate as a three-way switch. Further,device control assembly 708 is configured to operate as a dimmer switchand device control assembly 710 is configured to operate as a toggleswitch. In some embodiments, load devices 724, 738, and 740 arewirelessly connected to the network 700 and are further not physicallypaired with any device control assembly 702-710.

In some embodiments, device control assemblies 702-710 are wirelesslyconnected within the network 700 via one or more data pathways. In someembodiments, network circuitry 532 and associated network hardware 534of the device control assemblies 110 are configured to connect via aBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol in a mesh network topology (e.g., aflood mesh topology). Further, mobile device 712 and load devices 724,738, and 740 are nodes within the mesh network 700. In this regard, eachnode on the mesh network may transmit or retransmit mesh network trafficsuch that all nodes of the mesh network may communicate (e.g., viasingle-hop or multi-hop paths). Accordingly, mobile device 712 can bepaired with load devices 738 and 740 via the network 700. For example,mobile device 712 may have a data range 718 insufficient to reach loaddevice 738. However, device control assembly 708 may serve as a repeater(e.g., in a flood mesh network). In this regard the data range 716overlaps with data range 718 of mobile device 712 and data range 714 ofload device 738 to provide data communication. In some embodiments, themobile device 712 connects to a device control assembly (e.g., devicecontrol assembly 706) for communication with load devices within thenetwork 700. In this regard, device control assembly 706 may operate asa bridge to communicate data between the mobile device 712 and anydevice on the network 700. It is noted herein that mobile device 712 or,alternately any connected device (e.g., a connected television, aconnected electrical appliance, a wearable device, or the like), may notinclude appropriate hardware to properly communicate on the network 700.However, a device control assembly (e.g., device control assembly 706)may simultaneously connect with the network 700 on a first protocol(e.g., a flood mesh protocol) and a connected device on a secondprotocol (e.g., a Bluetooth protocol) to provide a bridge for datacommunication between the connected device and one or more devices onthe network 700.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol assemblies 702-710, mobile device 712, and load devices 720-740may be established via the configurable network 700. Accordingly, thedescriptions of pairings above are intended solely for illustrativepurposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a configurable network 800 in a household,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Itis noted herein that the network 800 described herein is provided solelyfor illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. For example, a configurable network may be employedin any environment including, but not limited to industrial buildings,commercial buildings, multi-family households, or outdoors.

In some embodiments, the configurable network 800 includes as nodesdevice control assemblies DC1-DC11, electrically-connected luminairesEC1-EC14 (e.g., luminaires physically paired to one or more devicecontrol assemblies), network-connected luminaires ML1-ML3 (e.g.,mesh-connected luminaires), and window/door sensors S1-S8. In someembodiments, all nodes of the configurable network 800 arecommunicatively coupled via data connections. In some embodiments, thepairings between device control assemblies, electrically-connectedluminaires, network-connected luminaires, and sensors are summarized inFIG. 8B. Further, the pairing type (e.g., physical or addressable)between connected devices is summarized in FIG. 8C. It is noted hereinthat device control assemblies 110 may be simultaneously paired withmultiple device types (e.g., DC7 and DC9 are paired withelectrically-connected luminaires, network-connected luminaires, andsensors), as shown in FIG. 8B. Further, connected devices may besimultaneously paired with multiple device control assemblies, as shownin FIG. 8C. For example, EC2 is physically paired with DC2 andaddressably paired with DC3. Similarly EC3 is physically paired with DC3and addressably paired with DC2. Together, DC2 and DC3 operate, via datapathways of the network 800, as a three-way switch to simultaneouslycontrol EC2 and EC3.

As another example, custom switching patterns may be defined throughdefined pairings of device control assemblies and load devices. Forexample, DC5 and DC6 are paired to luminaires EC5, EC6, and EC12, and anexemplary state diagram is provided in FIG. 8D. Further, EC12 isadditionally paired to DC 9. In this regard, EC5 and EC6 are controlledby DC5 and DC6 in a traditional three-way switch configuration.Accordingly, actuating either DC5 or DC6 will actuate both EC5 and EC6.However, the state of EC12 is dependent on the current state and on theactuating device (e.g., DC5, DC6, or DC12), as shown in FIG. 8D.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol assemblies DC1-DC11, electrically-connected luminaires EC1-EC14,and network-connected luminaires ML1-ML3 may be established via theconfigurable network 800. Accordingly, the descriptions of pairingsabove are intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted as limiting.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality canbe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedialcomponents. Likewise, any two components so associated can also beviewed as being “connected”, or “coupled”, to each other to achieve thedesired functionality, and any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “couplable”, to each other toachieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of couplableinclude but are not limited to physically interactable and/or physicallyinteracting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelesslyinteracting components and/or logically interactable and/or logicallyinteracting components.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes. Furthermore, itis to be understood that the invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: a modular control unitconfigured to control power to at least one load device, wherein each ofthe at least one load device comprises at least one of an electricalload or an electrical receptacle from which electrical loads may beremovably and electrically connected, wherein the modular control unitcomprises: a first contact element configured to receive the power; abackplate comprising a recess that includes a set of backplateelectrical contacts; and at least one device control assembly configuredto be removably coupled to the backplate, the at least one devicecontrol assembly comprising a set of device control assembly electricalcontacts configured to electrically couple with the set of backplateelectrical contacts of the backplate when the backplate is coupled tothe at least one device control assembly, wherein an electrical couplingof the set of device control assembly electrical contacts with the setof backplate electrical contacts defines an interface, wherein theinterface is configured to be used for at least one communication and atransmission of the power between the at least one device controlassembly and the backplate, wherein the transmission of the power to theat least one device control assembly is based on the at least onecommunication.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onecommunication is indicative of an electrical design compatibility of theat least one device control assembly.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe backplate is configured to verify the electrical designcompatibility of the at least one device control assembly based on theat least one communication before the transmission of the power to theat least one device control assembly.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one device control assembly and the backplate areconfigured, via the interface, to communicate control signals of the atleast one communication configured to be used for the control of thepower to the at least one load device.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe backplate comprises one of more electrical components, wherein theone of more electrical components comprise at least one switchconfigured to control the power to one or more load devices of the atleast one load device based on the control signals.
 6. A systemcomprising: a modular control unit configured to control power to atleast one load device, wherein each of the at least one load devicescomprise at least one of an electrical load or an electrical receptaclefrom which electrical loads may be removably and electrically connected,wherein the modular control unit comprises: a contact element configuredto receive the power; a backplate comprising a recess that includes aset of backplate electrical contacts; and at least one device controlassembly configured to be removably coupled to the backplate, the atleast one device control assembly comprising a set of device controlassembly electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with theset of backplate electrical contacts of the backplate when the backplateis coupled to the at least one device control assembly, wherein anelectrical coupling of the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts with the set of backplate electrical contacts defines aninterface, wherein each device control assembly of the at least devicecontrol assembly comprises a communication component configured tocommunicate between device control assemblies of the at least one devicecontrol assembly, wherein the system is configured to at least one ofdefine, store, or distribute load device pairing data to the devicecontrol assemblies, wherein the load device pairing data is indicativeof which of the at least one device control assembly is electricallyconnected, directly or indirectly, to regulate the power of which of theat least one load device.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thecommunication component is a wireless communication component and thedistributing of the load device pairing data to the device controlassemblies is performed wirelessly via the communication component. 8.The system of claim 6, wherein the backplate comprises one of moreelectrical components, wherein the one of more electrical componentscomprise at least one switch configured to control the power to one ormore load devices of the at least one load device.
 9. A backplateconfigured to control power to at least one load device using one ormore power control elements, the backplate comprising: a recess, definedby at least one surface of the backplate, configured to allow a devicecontrol assembly to be removably coupled to the backplate and toelectrically couple with a set of backplate electrical contacts of thebackplate when the backplate is coupled to the device control assembly,the set of backplate electrical contacts configured to electricallycouple with a set of device control assembly electrical contacts of thedevice control assembly when the device control assembly is coupled tothe backplate and electrically decouple from the set of device controlassembly electrical contacts when the device control assembly isdecoupled from the backplate; a contact element configured to receivethe power; and one or more power control elements configured to controlthe power.
 10. The backplate of claim 9, wherein the one or more powercontrol elements are further configured to monitor the power between thecontact element and the at least one load device.
 11. The backplate ofclaim 9, wherein the set of backplate electrical contacts of thebackplate are configured to be used for at least one communication. 12.The backplate of claim 9, wherein the backplate is configured to receivecontrol signals to be used for the control of the power to the at leastone load device.
 13. The backplate of claim 12, wherein the controlsignals are configured to be received by the one or more power controlelements.
 14. The backplate of claim 13, wherein the control signals arefurther configured to be received through the set of backplateelectrical contacts.
 15. The backplate of claim 9, wherein the one ormore power control elements comprise switches configured to be used tocontrol the power to the at least one load device.
 16. The backplate ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more power control elements comprise TRIACswitches.
 17. The backplate of claim 9, wherein the contact element isone or more connection wires.
 18. The backplate of claim 9, wherein theat least one load device comprises a receptacle.
 19. The backplate ofclaim 18, wherein the receptacle is an alternating current (AC)electrical outlet receptacle configured to be used with user-accessibleplugs.
 20. A system including a receptacle comprising: a modular controlunit configured to control power to at least one load device, themodular control unit comprising: a backplate comprising a recess thatincludes a set of backplate electrical contacts; a contact elementconfigured to receive the power; at least one device control assemblyconfigured to be removably coupled to the backplate, the at least onedevice control assembly comprising a set of device control assemblyelectrical contacts configured to electrically couple with the set ofbackplate electrical contacts of the backplate when the backplate iscoupled to the at least one device control assembly, wherein anelectrical coupling of the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts with the set of backplate electrical contacts defines aninterface; and a receptacle, the receptacle configured to provide thepower to a first load device of the at least one load device, whereinthe receptacle is configured to be removably couplable to the first loaddevice, wherein the at least one device control assembly is separablerelative to the receptacle.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein thereceptacle is a receptacle device control assembly of the at least onedevice control assembly.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein thereceptacle is an alternating current (AC) electrical outlet receptacleconfigured to be used with user-accessible plugs.
 23. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the backplate is configured to receive one or morecommunications through the set of backplate electrical contacts, whereinthe one or more communications are configured to be used to control thepower provided to the first load device.
 24. The system of claim 20,wherein the system further comprises a wireless-compatible componentconfigured to be used for a wireless communication, the wirelesscommunication configured to be used for the control of the power to theat least one load device.